Q.73 Which disease is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition which results when
a person does not consume enough protein and calories?
1. Lathyrism
2. Marasmus
3. Favism
4. Night blindness
Marasmus is the correct answer, as it represents a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition caused by insufficient protein and calorie intake.
What is Marasmus?
Marasmus occurs due to chronic deficiency in both calories and proteins, leading to extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and fat depletion, often in children under five. It gives a “wasted” appearance with visible bones and is common in food-scarce regions. Unlike kwashiorkor, which mainly lacks protein but has calories, marasmus depletes all energy sources.
Correct Answer: Option 2 (Marasmus)
This matches the query exactly—a severe protein-energy malnutrition from inadequate protein and calories. Prolonged starvation triggers body breakdown of fat and muscle for energy, risking organ failure if untreated.
Option Explanations
-
Lathyrism: A neurological disorder from consuming lathyrus sativus (grass pea) seeds high in beta-ODAP toxin, causing leg paralysis (neurolathyrism), not malnutrition.[ context via MCQ]
-
Favism: Acute hemolytic anemia triggered by fava beans in G6PD-deficient people, linked to favism (Vicia faba), not protein-calorie deficiency.[ context]
-
Night blindness: Vitamin A deficiency symptom (nyctalopia), impairing low-light vision, unrelated to protein-energy malnutrition.[ context]
| Option | Disease Type | Primary Cause | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lathyrism | Toxin-induced | Grass pea overconsumption | Leg weakness, paralysis [ context] |
| 2. Marasmus | Protein-energy malnutrition | Low protein/calories | Wasting, emaciation |
| 3. Favism | Genetic hemolytic anemia | Fava beans + G6PD deficiency | Anemia, jaundice [ context] |
| 4. Night blindness | Vitamin deficiency | Low vitamin A | Poor night vision [ context] |
Prevention and Treatment
Provide balanced nutrition with proteins, carbs, fats, and micronutrients; treat via gradual refeeding to avoid refeeding syndrome. Early intervention in at-risk areas like developing countries prevents stunting.
